Three in business as usual
Despite the shaky economic atmosphere in the world these days, there is still good news in the little business world of Elk. Three new businesses have opened their doors over the past couple of months. All three owners were born and raised in Elk.
Land-On Construction owner Landon Brown has worked in the construction industry for many years. He is now a contractor who works “from the ground up.” His work includes all types of excavation, road and driveway clearings, septic systems and custom home-building. Custom home-building is what Landon hopes to specialize in.
Brown was born and raised in the Elk area, where he still resides with his family in a home he designed and built. Brown has generously donated his time and equipment to help with improvements in the local Elk Community Park.
Brown has excavating equipment and a dump truck. He has several jobs already lined up for the summer and says he really enjoys working for himself. If you are in need of excavation work or are considering building a new home, give Landon Brown of Land-On Construction a call at 998-1127.
Jessica Knaub has worked at hair salons for 15 years, the past few years in Deer Park. Elk-Riverside-Chattaroy area residents are very happy that she has opened Jessica’s Barber & Salon in the old taco stand off Highway 2 and Deer Park-Milan Road. Knaub is very happy about having her own shop. “I am absolutely loving it,” she says. According to Knaub, the people in the area have been very supportive and nice.
Knaub is the daughter of Terry Brown, who was well-known for many years with the Village Café in Elk.
Jessica’s Barber & Salon offers $10 haircuts. She takes appointments and walk-ins. Her hours are Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop is closed on Wednesday and Sunday. The shop is easy to spot with the red and white barber pole out front. To make an appointment with Knaub, call 292-9610.
Randy Bronkhorst, whose family is made up of longtime Elk residents, works full time in the construction and timber industry. But in keeping with his philosophy of “don’t worry, be happy,” Bronkhorst also works part time as Randy, D.J. & Music Man. Music has always been a family affair with the Bronkhorst family. He hopes to keep that going. Also a guitarist and singer, Bronkhorst has played with several local bands and at many Elk Pioneer Days. He serves on the Elk Community Park Association Board and generously donated a sound system to the Miss Elk Royalty Committee for their teen dances at the Elk Veterans of Foreign Wars Activity Room.
Bronkhorst has an excellent sound system and lights available for weddings, family reunions, anniversaries and parties. If you are in need of some lights and music to liven up your affair, give Randy, D.J. & Music Man, a call at 292-2472 or 710-0853.
Unfortunately, the downside to the straining economy is that the Elk-Chattaroy area has also watched three of our businesses close over the past two months. The Tesoro Station & Mini-Mart on Highway 2 in Chattaroy, the Backwoods Store in downtown Elk and Sly’s Saloon & Restaurant on Highway 2 in Elk have all been forced to close down due to economic restraints. Residents are already missing the closed businesses.